Why It’s So Important That Retired All Blacks Prop Campbell Johnstone Came Out
Campbell Johnstone came out publicly on Seven Sharp on Monday, January 30 saying he had been “living a double life”. The retired All Blacks prop is the first in the team’s history to come out and hopes that he has helped opened the door for many others to follow him, reports The Independent.
PAVING THE WAY…
Campbell Johnstone may be the first openly gay All Blacks player but he is certainly not the only gay player. Rugby has had a troubled time lately, with many players expressing publicly their lack of support for LGBTQIA+ players and the community generally. Notably, several Manly Sea Eagles players refused to wear Pride jerseys in support of the queer community.
Theoretically, there are likely to be many closeted gay sportsmen who don’t want to face discrimination from their peers. Australian rugby figures such as Ian Roberts and Casey Conway, and now New Zealand’s Campbell Johnstone, are paving the way for these closeted players to see a way to be out and respected in their sporting communities.
The CEO of Rugby New Zealand, Mark Robinson, released a statement in full support of Johnstone saying: “On behalf of the New Zealand rugby community and as a former teammate, I want to acknowledge and support Campbell for sharing his authentic story. Your strength and visibility will pave the way for others in our game.”
WHY COMING OUT AS PRO-ATHLETES IS STILL IMPORTANT
Andrew Purchase, Co-Founder of the Pride In Sport Index and a Co-Founder of The Sydney Convicts tells DN that Johnstone’s coming out is significant as he’s a well-known player from one of the most highly respected teams in the world.
“I am very happy for Campbell that he has finally had the self-confidence and comfort with himself to be public about being gay,” says Purchase. “He’s experienced significant torment about having to live a double life and not being able to be his true, authentic self. His coming out is very significant as it demonstrates that one’s sexuality is completely irrelevant to their sporting ability. The All Blacks are a wonderful team, with a fantastic history, culture and reputation. Showing that you can be same-sex attracted and reach this pinnacle of world rugby is invaluable in breaking down the outdated and irrelevant stereotypes about gay people and sport.”
Purchase also says that retired players coming out is just the beginning of the process to greater acceptance.
“Ideally, elite sports people coming out, current or retired, will help create a culture for more players, fans and volunteers to feel safe. However, this is just the beginning of what is needed. People will be guided by what they see, hear, feel and experience; by what they hear in the stadiums, on the sidelines, in the charge room, on the pitch, in the schoolyard, at work and in the press. Sport needs to work with elite and community sports alike to create a diverse and inclusive environment of gay players, spectators, volunteers and fans.”
